By: Dave Grant
VALLEJO, Calif. – Outfielder Tillman Pugh has re-signed and will return for his third season, the Admirals front office announced on Tuesday. Pugh played for Vallejo during both its inaugural season of 2013 and in 2014, when he stole a Pacific Association-best 43 bases during the Admirals’ 44-win season.
“I really enjoy familiarity and consistency and being close to home and friends and family made it an easy decision for me to return to the Admirals,” said Pugh. “Also, having a guy like PJ (Phillips) who I admire and trust already made this a no-brainer for me.”
Pugh delivered one of the most memorable offensive seasons in Admirals franchise history in 2014, collecting 11 home runs with 77 runs scored and finishing with a .303 average. Among his 83 hits, Pugh had 14 doubles while driving in 44 runs. His 11 home runs are the third-most by an Admirals player in a single season and his 44 RBI are good for No. 4 all-time. In addition to those numbers, Pugh delivered an eye-popping .903 OPS (on-base and slugging percentage) during Vallejo’s 2014 season. His 14 doubles were tied for the fifth-most in the Pacific Association and his 60 walks led the league.
Pugh played in 24 games for the Admirals during the 2013 season, collecting 22 runs scored, six stolen bases and 15 RBI. He also delivered four home runs, four doubles and 17 walks during the franchise’s initial season.
Prior to his time with the Admirals, Pugh was selected by the New York Mets in the 15th round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft out of Sonoma State University. Pugh spent three seasons in the Mets organization, collecting a combined 61 hits and 39 runs scored from 2010-2012. He played nine games for the Kannapolis Intimidators (Chicago White Sox Single-A affiliate) during the 2012 season.
Pugh played 21 games for the Frontier Greys of the Frontier League in addition to his time with the Admirals in 2013. He then returned to the Frontier League in 2015 and played 16 games for the Schaumburg Boomers and also spent time in the American Association with the Gary SouthShore RailCats and Winnipeg Goldeyes. In 2016, Pugh played for both Schaumburg and Gary, spending a majority of the season with the RailCats.
Pugh was born in nearby Oakland, Calif. and attended both GateWay College in Phoenix, Ariz. and Sonoma State University prior to his professional baseball career.
“I’ve never won a championship at any level before, so getting to the playoffs and winning a title is definitely something I’m hoping to help the Admirals accomplish this season,” Pugh said.
The Admirals begin their fifth season of Pacific Association play when hosting the San Rafael Pacifics at 6:35 p.m. June 2 at Wilson Park in Vallejo. Single game tickets and group packages are still available for all 39 home games this season and can be purchased by visiting the tickets and schedule page online or by calling (707) 641-1111.
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